Guide

How to organise a yoga retreat

Running a retreat is one of the most rewarding things a yoga teacher can do, and one of the easiest to lose money on. This plan keeps it simple.

By the Book Yoga team · Updated

In short

To organise a yoga retreat: decide who it is for and what it offers, choose a venue and dates 6–12 months ahead, work out your costs and break-even number, set clear payment and cancellation terms, and start promoting at least 4–6 months before. List it free on directories such as Book Yoga and email your own students first.

1. Define the retreat

Be specific: "a five-night yin and hiking retreat for busy professionals" sells better than "a yoga retreat for everyone". Decide the style, level, group size and the feeling you want guests to go home with.

2. Choose the venue and dates

Book 6–12 months ahead. Check the practice space (size, floor, shade, noise), room mix, catering, travel time from the nearest airport or station and the venue's own deposit and cancellation terms. Visit, or speak to another teacher who has taught there.

3. Price it properly

Add up venue, food, your travel, assistants, insurance, marketing and payment fees. Divide by a realistic number of guests, not the maximum: plan to break even at about 60% full. Then add your teaching fee. Offer two or three room prices and an early-bird deadline.

4. Set clear terms

State the deposit, balance date, what is included and the cancellation policy, including what happens if you cancel or do not reach the minimum. Take out liability insurance that covers teaching abroad if the retreat is in another country.

5. Promote it

  • 6+ months before: announce to your own students and mailing list first. Most first retreats fill from people who already know the teacher.
  • 4–6 months: list it on Book Yoga (free, no commission) and other directories, with good photos and a detailed description.
  • 2–4 months: share teacher videos, the daily schedule and guest questions on social media; ask the venue to share it.
  • Last weeks: remind your list and offer remaining places to past guests.

6. Write a listing that gets booked

Put the what, where and when in the title. Describe a typical day, the teacher, the rooms and the food. List exactly what is included. Use real photos of the venue and of you teaching. Answer booking requests within a day.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a yoga retreat?

Nine to twelve months for a first retreat: venues book up early and guests need time to arrange leave and flights.

How many people do I need to make a yoga retreat viable?

It depends on your costs, but many teachers plan to break even at 6–8 guests and aim for 10–14.

Where can I advertise my yoga retreat for free?

On Book Yoga, listing is free and commission-free and booking requests come straight to your email. Also use your own mailing list, social media and the venue's channels.

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